SYNOPSIS:

A fascinating alternative to the manic stunt work and elaborate sight gags that distinguish the films of Buster Keaton, Go West offers a rare and satisfying glimpse of his talent for more expressive comedy: charming moments of intimate humor flavored with rich pathos.

Heeding the expansionist call of Horace Greeley, a hapless young man (aptly named "Friendless") idealistically hops a freight train westward to meet his destiny, first in a teeming metropolis (where he is roundly trampled by rush-hour foot traffic) then into the ranchlands of Arizona. In the side-splitting course of his attempts at bronco-busting, cattle wrangling, and even dairy farming, Friendless finds himself enamored with Brown Eyes, a particularly affectionate bovine beauty from whose hoof he removed a painful pebble.

Setting traditional ideas of romance and masculinity on their ears, Go West is uniquely graceful and characteristically hilarious -- especially in the film's dynamic finale. In an epic sequence that is pure Keaton, sentimental comedy is put aside as hundreds of cattle are unleashed upon downtown Los Angeles, wreaking uproarious havoc upon all in their path, with only one lonesome cowboy to round 'em up!

BONUS FEATURES:

The Scarecrow (1920. 19 min.)

One of Keaton's most mind-boggling mechanical comedies, follows two roomates vying for the attention of a young lady.

The Paleface (1921, 20 min.)

In The Paleface, Buster helps a Native American tribe defend their land from greedy developers.

Where other Keaton movies are justifiably more famous, GO WEST is the family favorite here -- for the simple reason that the comedy is more character-driven than stunt-driven. Sure, it's a potboiler plot, and the opening scene isn't even necessary, but once it's in motion the story moves just as well as any modern film. When the happy ending comes [and you know it always does in Keaton's films!], it doesn't feel like a simple convenience, but a strong end to a strong story.

When I told my kids that most children have never seen a b&w film (let alone a silent one), my daughter couldn't believe it: "But Buster Keaton is so funny!" This is the film she was referring to. Definitely recommended